March 24, 2025 • 43 mins
Hi!! I would love to hear from you!
Imagine waking up each morning never knowing how much energy you'll have for the day. Will you have enough "spoons" to shower, prepare a meal, and pay your bills—or will you need to choose just one? This is daily reality for millions living with chronic illness who fall between support system cracks.
My guests this week, Andie Malone and Cady Menk, social workers who transformed personal struggle into community solution through their non-profit, Ladle of Ferns. After losing a friend to suicide, they looked at each other and asked the haunting question: "Who's next?" Their answer became a lifeline for those with invisible illnesses who don't qualify for traditional assistance yet can't afford private support.
Through four groundbreaking programs, they're reshaping what support looks like. Their online community creates 24/7 connection where members share "peaks and valleys" weekly. Monthly meetups combine peer support with practical education. Their resource navigation helps clients create manageable action plans and complete overwhelming paperwork. Perhaps most innovative is their body doubling program, where simply having another person present—virtually or in-person—helps participants accomplish tasks that would otherwise remain undone.
What makes Ladle of Ferns extraordinary isn't just what they offer, but how they offer it. Every service is completely free and tailored to individual needs. Need someone to sit with you while making a difficult phone call? They'll do it. Just need links to resources? They've got you. This flexibility comes from lived experience—both founders identify as "spoonies" themselves, understanding firsthand how chronic illness transforms simple tasks into monumental challenges.
Visit ladleofferns.org to learn how you can join their community, volunteer, or donate to help those who wake up each day not knowing how many spoons they'll have, but knowing they don't have to face it alone.
Ladle of Ferns is a 501(c)3 Nonprofit organization that provides personalized support to adults living with chronic physical and/or mental illnesses. Ladle of Ferns was dreamt up after Co-Creators Andie Melone and Cady Menk spent countless hours discussing the lack of support for themselves, their friends, and even their fellow social workers. They realized that many people struggle to access traditional support services for two main reasons: they do not make enough to pay for services out of pocket AND they do not qualify for traditional low to no-cost services. To put it simply, they belong to the economic middle. If you would like some support, or simply want to get involved, check out the links below:
To check-out the website: https://www.ladleofferns.org/
For information on our events: https://www.ladleofferns.org/events
To follow us on socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556308831956
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladleofferns/
Want to support the show? Buy me a cup of coffee and I will give you a shout out on the show….. great opportunity for small businesses!
https://buymeacoffee.com/empoweredease
Join the Newsletter
https://themoonflowercoachingcollective.com/podcast-empowered-ease/<
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Hello and welcome to Empowered Ease.
My guests plural today are AndyMalone and Katie Mink.
They are co-creators of thenon-for-profit Ladle of Ferns.
Welcome, I'm so happy to haveyou two on.
Hi, hello, we're so excited tobe here, yay, okay.
(00:23):
So, ladle of Ferns, tell us alittle bit about your
non-for-profit before we getstarted, just so that we have a
little understanding.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Yeah, you want me to take that one.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Yeah, start us off.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Okay, so Ladle of Ferns, we provide support to
adults that are living withchronic and physical and mental
illnesses.
We have a couple of differentprograms which I'm sure we'll
get into later, but our maingoal is to kind of build
community for people and kind ofcreate those connections.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
I love it, so needed these days.
I know you guys had mentionedbefore that you guys kind of
work with the people that likefall between the cracks of like
meeting, require, yeah, therequirements for certain support
and also still having issuesthat they need support with.
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Yeah, that was a big group that we kind of identified
, even just among, like, ourfriends, our colleagues, was
this kind of middle ground wherepeople were falling outside of
the parameters of support, yeah,and not having the resources to
like pay for things out ofpocket.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Right, right, when you don't qualify for the grants
or the funding from likegovernment or other nonprofits,
Um, but you also can't afford topay someone outright to help
you with you know, chores oranything like that.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
Um, so and that's us Yep.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
I love it because I feel like that's a gap that's
getting wider and wider in a lotof areas of healthcare.
There's just so little effort,attention, resources put into
preventative medication ormedications, preventative
education, and then there thatgap of people just keeps getting
bigger and bigger.
That needs help, but there'sless and less support.
(02:24):
So you guys are, unless youhave a lot of money and you're
ready to pay for those people.
So yeah, Exactly.
Yeah, okay, so tell me a littlebit about the two of you.
What do you guys do Like?
Who are you?
How did this come about?
Speaker 3 (02:49):
like who are you?
How did this come about?
Well, um, andy and I met in theschool of social work at umzal,
working on our bachelor'sdegrees.
Um, and I don't know, do youhave a minor?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
I should probably know.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
No, I do not have a minor, okay, um I have my
master's degree or my bachelor'sdegree, uh in social work, with
a minor in psychology, and andyhas her bachelor's degree in um
social work, but she went on toyeah, I have my master's in
social work as well.
She does yep um and I think,did you get that certificate?
(03:18):
She's supposed to have acertificate in non-profit, but
that's a I took all of theclasses.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
So I have the knowledge.
There was just someadministrative issues on the
part of that, certaincertificate programs like
leadership.
So the actual physicalcertificate is not in my hands,
but I do have knowledge.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
Got it up here All in good time, right, exactly.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Yeah, right, uh, we became friends, and I'll skip
over some years there, but, uh,eventually we started living
together and just there were somany things happening and the
lack of support that we feltamongst ourselves, amongst our
friends, amongst our colleagues.
It just became suffocating andwe were like who?
(04:11):
Who is here to help with this?
Are there any resources?
What do we do?
And eventually it dawned on usthat it didn't exist and if we
wanted it to happen, we, we werethe ones.
Yeah, we had to do it.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Um, so that's kind of how we came about.
And, yeah, I think what kind ofthings were you noticing, um,
in your peers, specifically likethat, were the struggles, like
what kind of what kind of thingswere you seeing?
Speaker 2 (04:52):
I think I would liken it to just kind of this
drowning feeling, um, just beingsuper overwhelmed, not having
any type of support for likeday-to-day tasks.
Cause that's another thing thatwe kind of found.
Just, you know, both of usidentify as as spoonies, um, in
the chronic illness community,and your time is not the same as
everyone else's time.
Um, your energy is not the sameas everyone else's energy.
(05:15):
You can wake up one day andfeel totally different than you
did the day before, where youwere super productive.
You know you wake up the nextday and you have no energy for
anything.
Your pain is super high, Um, sowe we found that a lot of
people were just feeling reallyoverwhelmed by their day-to-day
tasks and typically this, thisnarrative in society is like
(05:37):
well, that's easy, Like why areyou struggling to do your
laundry, why are you strugglingto keep your house clean, why do
you need help with that?
And it's just that is thereality for a lot of our friends
and our colleagues and justpeople that we knew.
That's kind of.
Mostly what we're seeing wasjust this overwhelming, like I
have so many things to do and Idon't have any support.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Like the invisible chronic illnesses community
where, like you don't look likeyou would struggle, but really
like it's almost like a, it'salmost like a detriment that you
look so normal because peopletake that for granted, the
energy levels and things likethat you have.
So you're finding a lot ofpeople which that's a growing,
growing population chronicillnesses.
(06:20):
Yeah, exactly so I was justtrying to like think how did you
guys identify this niche ofpeople?
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Yeah, because it's so great.
Yeah, it kind of started withus, I mean, like we are part of
that community, we're part ofthat group you advocate.
They were really like anexemplar in the field.
I would say, yeah, we looked upto them, yeah, yeah, we lost
(06:56):
them to suicide in the fall of2022.
And that was really kind of thekicker, you know, like we
looked at each other and we werelike who's next, Like who's?
Speaker 3 (07:07):
who's?
Speaker 2 (07:07):
next.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
Um, yeah, that was kind of a.
We were sitting on the couchupstairs and we tell the story
frequently, but it was a hugemoment for us to just sit there
and look at each other and sayit could be you, it could be me,
yeah, so, like thisorganization is for us, yeah,
yeah, it's for people like us,because we get it and a lot of
(07:30):
people don't, and so findingother people who get it is
life-changing.
It's life-changing for me.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Yeah, to be in a community of people who
understand the struggle.
I've been to a few of yourtheir meetings, so not that I
have a lot of knowledge, butI've, I've seen, I've seen it.
It's awesome, and I have, uh,you know, worked with some of
the people in your groupone-on-one, and they all talk
about how magical it is to be tohave a community, because a lot
(07:58):
of people don't I I I liken itto nursing, like I don't have a
medical family members, so whenI have struggles at work,
there's not anyone in myimmediate circle that
understands in a way that feelsvalidating to me and I feel like
this is one of those issues.
It's like you can talk to peopleabout it but unless they're in
that situation, how can youreally understand?
(08:20):
And it doesn't feel as relieved, like as releasing, when you're
talking to someone who doesn'tactually get it.
Yeah, so powerful.
It's so powerful to have acommunity like that to be able
to go to.
So you guys are doing beautiful, beautiful things.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
So tell me a little bit about how this experience
has been for you, because youguys are relatively new.
I think you started what a yearago, a little over a year ago.
Is that where we're at here?
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Yeah, yeah, we just celebrated our first birthday in
January.
Yeah, yeah, we're, yeah, we'relittle babies.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
I think our birthdays are probably really close to
each other, so yeah, oh yeah, ohmy gosh, I didn't Wow.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
We get to grow together.
I know, I know that's so fun.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
I'm like we need to figure out how to celebrate
together.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Yeah, yep, the wheels are turning.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
I think it's been a lot of learning here.
We've had to be very flexible,which is not, I mean, we just
are very flexible people, yeah,just naturally.
I think, Kind of catching those.
Oh, I just noticed this couldbe really helpful, or if we
switch this kind of program,more people might be able to
(09:39):
attend or or relate, or it'sjust been a lot of growing.
It's been very, very cool tofind people and I think I was a
bit surprised by how many peopledo understand.
Yeah, I was expecting to haveto fight for it and to have to
(10:01):
say, no, this is so importantbecause X, y, z and there's just
been so many people whereyou'll give them like your
little elevator speech andthey're like, oh my gosh, that's
so awesome, I know so, and sowho could really use that?
And it's like oh my gosh, soit's just so great.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Yeah.
Yeah, it's been a very longtime and a very short time, if
that makes sense Like it's goneby so fast, but it also feels
like it's been so slow just withlike learning new things and
you know, with everythingthere's there's challenges,
right, and I think it's like Ideal with a lot of the backside
(10:37):
stuff.
So, like our website, you knowthings that I have like never
done before in my life and it'sit's so rewarding to tackle that
and like figure it out and thenjust be like I can do anything.
Right, I taught myself all ofthis in a year?
Yeah, I mean it's definitelyfrustrating.
(10:59):
Like don't get me wrong.
Before you get to that momentyou're kind of like pulling your
hair out, um, but it's, it's soworth it and just seeing how
we're impacting people makeseverything worth it.
Like dealing with the IRS andlike you know fun stuff.
(11:20):
It makes it so worth it whenyou are ending a session with a
client and they're like thankyou so much.
I wouldn't have gotten nearlyhalf of this stuff done if we
hadn't had this time together.
Like it just it's so impactful.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
I love how you say that Cause, like you know,
connecting to somethingmeaningful, like purpose or you
know, like something you getexcited about that energizes you
, that like connects with yourvalues, is energizing.
You guys came from this likeoverwhelmed, burnt out position.
You connected to something sopowerful and you're doing so
much good and it does bring youenergy and light and all that,
yeah.
(11:55):
So I want to know how you guyswork with people.
I know I've been to your.
You guys have monthly meetupsand you were talking about
sessions and I know you guys dosome body doubling, which you've
got to tell us about.
So what are the ways in whichyou support people struggling
with chronic illnesses?
What are the ways?
Speaker 2 (12:11):
in which you support people struggling with chronic
illnesses.
Yeah, so we have like four mainprograms right now.
I would say the first one is anonline community support group.
So it's a private group onFacebook.
Right now we're exploring someother options for that, to take
it even a little bit moreprivate, like maybe a forum on
our website or something, butright now it's operating on
(12:36):
Facebook and that's a space forpeople to kind of ask for help,
share any advice they might have, you know, so, like, if they
found something helpful, theycan share it in there to be like
hey, don't know if anybody elseis struggling with X, y, z, but
this worked for me.
I want to put it out there.
So you have the resource.
We also do check-ins every weekfor people which we call peaks
(12:58):
and valleys, so people can kindof come in there and share like,
hey, what was awesome from thislast week and then what was
really challenging, and that canbe event space, or it can be
like does anybody have solutions, suggestions?
Like is anybody else feelinglike this out there?
Is it just me?
So that's, I feel like that'svery validating for people to
(13:20):
have that space which is justkind of up 24 seven, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
Yeah, people have really shared that.
They appreciate that time.
And there's been a couple ofpeople who will come into our
meetings and will say like, oh,i's been a couple of people who
will come into our meetings andwe'll say like, oh, I've been
thinking about my peaks andvalleys all week, yeah, and I
want to share them now.
And they're just so excited totalk about it, which is not
something I anticipated, butit's so awesome, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Like we have some people who really look forward
to that.
So our next program is our, ourcommunity meetups, um, which we
do in person once a month andwe're typically at like a local
library, because we lovelibraries, we think they're a
wonderful resource and we wantto expose more people to them.
So we usually host at locallibraries.
Yeah, and typically at meetupswe kind of they're chunked out
(14:07):
into two parts, so we have thepeaks and valleys part, you know
, where everybody is in a groupsetting and they can talk about
what's been going well, what'snot going well, and then we try
to have like an educationalcomponent or some type of
activity.
So in March, I think, we'redoing bingo cards like 2025
bingo cards for their goals, andthey're using what you
(14:28):
presented at our February meetupto kind of shape those goals
and figure out what they want toput on their cards.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
And I want to workshop for them about goal
setting.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Yeah it was awesome.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
Yeah, it was so good because it's like you know we
were thinking about it and it'slike goal setting, I feel like,
is a is a contentious area forpeople, because goals are great
but you know how do you do itwithout it leading to this
overwhelm and burnout becauseyou're like having too many or
like overshooting it a littlebit, like putting too much
pressure on yourself.
So it's like how do you kind ofstep that back and really set
(15:01):
goals that you can accomplishand build that momentum with?
So that was wonderful.
Thank you for providing that.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
But it's great that you guys support each other in
that role too, because when youhave monthly place to go back
and check in on that that you'veall worked on together, you
know it's a place to shift to,to find support, to like problem
solve, like it's like.
It's just a great idea.
I love it.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
Thank you.
Our last two programs we offerresource navigation for people.
Those are pretty much donevirtually, so people can
schedule like a 50 minutesession with Katie or I and we
kind of talk about what they'reneeding the most support with,
what kind of resources would bebeneficial, and then we help
(15:49):
them come up with a plan.
So sometimes kind ofprioritizing what you need can
be very hard and it can be ablockage where you just kind of
shut down.
So we help people create thatplan.
And then I think the coolestthing about this program is our
flexibility, cause we reallyfocus on meeting people where
they're at.
So sometimes we'll get peoplewho are like, hey, if you just
(16:11):
send me the application, if youjust send me the link to the
information, I've got it fromthere.
Um, and we're like, okay, cool.
But then other times we havepeople who are like I really
need somebody to be present withme while I make this phone call
for an appointment.
I really need somebody to sitwith me and help me fill out
this application.
And we can do both me and helpme fill out this application,
(16:32):
and we can do both.
And we can also meet people inbetween.
So we really try to let ourclients drive what that program
looks like for them and we takeit on a very like individual
basis.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
Yeah, I would say that's so powerful, that's such
a like, a helpful thing.
And I also want to mention,before we get too further into
this, I I work with womenspecifically, but your group is
for men, women, anything likeyou guys I will say like from
being to their meetings.
You guys do an amazing job atcreating a very like safe and
open environment where peoplefeel free to like express
(17:01):
themselves openly.
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
I mean it, though it's very like.
I love how different groups ofpeople are so comfortable when
they come.
Even I've brought people to thegroup who immediately opened up
when they were there.
So it's just a testament to thetwo of you and the people that
come to your meetings.
So thank you.
Speaker 2 (17:19):
I'm not going to cry about it, but I might, I might
cry about it.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
We experienced.
Well, I think you experiencedit too in Casework, specifically
when you're giving peopleresources, it's often like a
sheet of paper and like callthese places, and here's this,
and that's so overwhelming.
And you like go back the nextweek and you're like okay, like
who did you reach out to?
(17:44):
You know, did you, did you findthe resources that you needed,
that you needed?
And it's oftentimes they'll saylike no, I didn't have a chance
there, I don't know where tostart, I don't know, um, and it
doesn't really exist a spacewhere you're sitting with them
while they're exploring theseresources and getting the help
(18:05):
that they need.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
Um, so can you give some examples of some of the
resources that people may notknow is available, because I
feel like that's part of it toois like I know.
I worked with one of somebodywho's in your group recently who
didn't know about some I thinkit was um like government, um
resources that were available toher that she wasn't aware she
qualified for until she spokewith you too, and I imagine
(18:27):
there's non-government resourcesas well.
So can you give us just someexamples that people might not
be thinking of, that they mayqualify for?
Speaker 2 (18:35):
or that may be available to them.
Where to start.
There's so many.
That's the fun thing aboutbeing social workers is because
your brain kind of turns intothis Rolodex.
Yeah, I was like you guysprobably have organizations, but
people like me.
Speaker 1 (18:50):
I don't know what's out there, honestly, like I know
the things I've connected withpersonally, but you know a lot
of people are just unaware ofsupport that's even available.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
That's the big piece is connecting, yeah yeah, yeah,
um, I think one of the thingsthat recently kind of stood out
to me was learning about aprogram that arc has where they
do applications together like inperson for like disability
applications and stuff, cool, um, I think they call them like
(19:19):
walk people through filling itout.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Yes, oh my god I had an ex that was um on met like
medicare, medicaid.
All paperwork, the governmentpaperwork is so overwhelming I
have no idea how people go tothat office that are elderly and
have health problems andcontinue to receive funding for
how complicated that process is.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Yeah, yeah, so that was something cause we were at
another event and we hadconnected with someone from St
Louis arc and they had told usabout the paperwork parties.
I hope I'm.
I hope that is the correctprogram.
I'll have to follow up on that,but I'm pretty sure, that's
cool, though.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
There is a program out there that helps you fill
out your paperwork, which,honestly, is like a lot of
people.
That's one of those things youjust avoid.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Yeah, yeah, I mean, how could you not like,
especially like you were saying,the government applications and
stuff are always so dense, likeit's just so, and sometimes the
language is not very accessible.
Speaker 3 (20:21):
So that's something that just comes to the top of my
head.
I think there's also likefinancial resources, like if
you're needing help with payingfor, like your electric bill, if
you're needing help paying foryour rent, if you're needing
help, um yeah, paying for a lotof different bills.
There are resources for thatthat are I think they're
(20:43):
government funded what comes?
to mind is like lie, heap, yeah,um, and that is also paperwork
written, as most resources areyep, where you're like, have to
get it in by a specific time andif you don't cross this t or
dot this I, it's rejected.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Yeah um that's a huge service, huge and then okay, so
you guys have one more resourcethat's yours.
That I'm interrupting, so tellus about that one.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
So I saved this one for last.
Um, it's our body doublingprogram, so we have kind of
three different avenues for that.
Um, we meet in person once amonth for an in-person kind of
group session.
Uh, we usually go to like alocal cafe or somewhere, um, and
(21:32):
we usually go.
I think it's like noon to twois when we're usually there.
So if people want to come andlike grab a drink or grab some
lunch and you know, just kind ofwork on stuff together, um, but
that's also not an obligation,just if people are interested in
that, like you do not have tobuy food or drink while you're
there.
Like you can just come and work.
That's just something that'savailable to you if you want it.
(21:55):
Kind of a lunch date andgetting work done at the same
time.
And then we also have a virtualgroup session once a month
where we're just kind of onlineall working on our own stuff,
just cameras on doing what youneed to do.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Yeah, I've done laundry.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, those sessions.
Yeah, I've done laundry.
Yeah, those sessions.
Yeah, there's like no, noboundaries for what you can work
on with body doubling.
Um, the other Avenue issomething that we just started
last month, I think, um, whichis allowing people to schedule
one-on-one sessions for virtualbody doubling, so it's a 50
minute session.
Um, believe it or not, the timegoes very fast when you're like
(22:35):
you're able to get so much doneand it feels like such a short
amount of time simply becausesomebody else is present with
you.
So, kind of like what Katie wassaying, you can schedule those
just because you need somebodyto be present while you're doing
your laundry or cleaning yourkitchen or working on homework
or paying bills, whatever thatthing is, that is such a
struggleevery week.
Yeah, whatever it is, you canwork on that.
(22:58):
And we're just kind of herewith you.
And usually for the one-on-onesessions we kind of start with
like a okay, what are we workingon?
And then maybe like halfwaypoint, we'll kind of check in
and be like how's it going?
Are you hitting any blocks?
Like what's going on, let'stalk about it.
Um, and even just to have likea five minute break, yeah, just
(23:19):
take, take a little minute awayfrom it.
Yeah, have a little chit chat.
Sometimes that can likere-energize you too to get your
stuff done.
So body doubling is is kind ofnew For me.
It was very surprising.
It was not something that wekind of originally planned on,
but it just evolved.
You know, like we we threw onein and people were like, oh my
(23:40):
God, this is great.
Where has this been all my life?
So then we were like, oh okay,and then we threw in another one
and then we started schedulingand it's just blown up and it's
wonderful.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
Yeah yeah, I can't tell you how many of my clients
I have told about you guys andalso like just how the idea of
that has sparked so much inpeople, even who don't want to
come.
They're like oh, my daughterand I can do this together.
One of my clients they schedulea date, they do their like one
does their laundry, the otherone, whatever she's avoiding.
(24:11):
It's like that is such a greatthing, Cause I know a few
unicorns that can self-motivate,like um but not very many of
them.
Honestly, I'm so jealous of thembecause I there's certain work
I avoid so much and if I canlike get on the phone and call
my mom and do my dishes and likecatch up and not think it's I
plow through them, and if that'sjust a tiny little example, but
(24:32):
there's so much like that andeverybody's got something like
that, so it's, I love it, I can,I can understand why it's
blowing up yeah.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
Yeah, yeah, it's been really cool to see yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
I love that so much.
Okay, so earlier you made areference and I meant to ask you
about it and I forgot you guys.
You said that you guys are bothspoons, so I would love you to
explain that reference and thenalso explain your name.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
Oh yeah, wow, I get so excited about it.
Yeah, okay.
Well, spoonies comes from thespoon theory.
I don't recall off the top ofmy head who started it.
I feel like her name is likeJane or like Janice or like I
don't know.
Yeah, that's fine.
(25:14):
Anyway, there was someone whocame up with the idea of the
spoon theory, which correlatesto the energy that you have.
So when you are a quote,unquote normal person, I guess
we'll we'll use that referencefor now.
Um, you have infinite spoons,which are your energy.
(25:37):
So, uh, you're, you're alwaysable to find a spoon.
There's always excess, you know.
You can get your dishes done,you can take a shower and you
can, um, go to the grocery store.
You have all the spoons in theworld.
But when you're a chronicallyill person, you wake up with a
different number of spoons everyday.
(25:57):
So one day you could have like25 spoons.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:02):
That's fantastic.
But another day you wake up andyou have five or none or none,
and a shower costs two spoonsspoons.
Feeding yourself breakfastcosts a spoon.
You brush your hair, that'sanother spoon, yeah.
And then you're out and you'relike, oh my gosh, but I have to,
I have to get my work done, Ihave to pay this bill, I have to
(26:25):
do my taxes, which costs atleast 15 spoons at minimum.
Yeah, yeah, exactly, um, sothat's kind of the idea of the
spoon theory.
Yeah, did I miss anything yourname?
Speaker 2 (26:44):
explain your name.
We didn't get there yet, okay.
So we tried for a long time tolike figure out a name right,
and we wanted it to be kind ofspoon centered, because the
spoon theory was really likeanchoring us at that time, um,
and since we were doingcommunity work, we were like,
well, what's bigger than a spoon?
A ladle, right?
(27:05):
Um, so imagine, a ladle is acommunity version of a spoon.
And then ferns actually camefrom honoring our undergrad
classmate who had passed away.
So beautiful, yeah, yep yeah,that's beautiful.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
I love that.
Got a big ladle of ferns.
Yep, oh, that's a powerful name.
I love it.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
I love it so funny because a lot of times when like
, especially when we're atevents that are like really loud
, you know, and we're talking topeople, they'll be like what,
what is your name?
Because it's so like I don'tknow.
Yeah, it's just different thanlike anything you hear in the
non-profit sector.
I feel like, yeah, um but ifyou're a visual person at all,
(27:52):
you're like ladle of fur yeah,yeah, and we're like, yeah, we
know, we know, but yeah, it's we, we love it and we feel like it
is very powerful because of themeaning behind it, you know,
yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:06):
I love it.
I think it's amazing.
Um, okay, so do you guys haveany plans coming up, any future
plans or anything um eventscoming up that we should look
for?
Speaker 2 (28:17):
oh, yes, oh, I should have looked at the kind of I
was like I'm gonna have to pullup my calendar one moment for
our march events we have a uhcommunity meetup every month.
Speaker 3 (28:30):
Um, we'll grab that date for you in a second.
The body doubling sessions, um,I don't know if there's
anything new.
We've got some things brewingin the background.
We do.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Yeah, um, I will say one thing that we're at least
for me, um I'm excited forpossible partnerships, um, in
the future, and we were justtalking last night and Katie
mentioned how, like, bodydoubling, even for caseworkers
not necessarily just theirclients, but even for
(29:09):
caseworkers could be reallyhelpful.
Um, and if people did not know,all of our services are free,
so the ones that we've talkedabout, they're completely free.
So we're excited to maybe havesome more partnerships with
other organizations or even justpeople who work at other
agencies and stuff and try toprovide a resource on that level
(29:31):
as well.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
Do you guys do all of the sessions yourselves, or do
your members also volunteertheir time to do body doubling
as well?
How does that work?
Speaker 3 (29:57):
Um, but we're always open if there are board members
who want to do that as well.
And we also encourage ifthere's members of the community
that like kind of pair off and,um, like I know there's a
couple of people that come toour meetups that do that
together.
Yes, it's kind of separately.
Um, that's encouraged, butmainly it's me and Andy Yep it's
(30:21):
encouraged, but mainly it's meand Andy.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Yep.
So what are some upcomingevents that we can look forward
to?
Yeah, so in April, um, onSaturday April 12th, we are
having our in-person communitymeetup from three to five.
On Sunday April 13th, we arehaving our in-person body
doubling from noon to two, andthen Tuesday April 22nd, we are
having our virtual body doublingfrom seven to 9.
(30:46):
Ooh, yes.
Speaker 3 (30:49):
For more details, definitely go to the events tab
on our website.
Speaker 1 (30:53):
Yeah, Tell us your website?
Speaker 2 (30:54):
I don't think you've told us yet.
Yeah, so our website is justladleaffernsorg Beautiful, yep,
yeah, tell us your website?
Speaker 1 (31:00):
I don't think you've told us yet, yeah, so our
website is just ladleaffernsorgBeautiful, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:02):
And if you RSVP to the events, that's the best way
to stay up to date.
So like, if, for some reason, adate needs to change or a
location needs to change whichhasn't happened yet but could if
you're RSVP'd, you'll getautomatic notifications of any
changes that happen.
So that's the best way to kindof stay up to date and informed.
Speaker 1 (31:20):
So I hear you guys are looking for partnerships.
Are you looking for donationsas well?
Are you looking for people todonate time?
What kind of partnerships areyou looking for?
Just in case anyone's listening, and what if people, let's say,
want to get involved but maybedon't want your services but are
like this is great, how canthey get involved to support you
guys?
Speaker 2 (31:40):
Yeah.
So I would say number onesharing our information is
always appreciated, especiallysince we are so new, like we are
still definitely getting theword out about the services.
So definitely sharing ourinformation.
And then we are 100 donationbased um and funded right now.
(32:02):
Yeah, so we I think we stillhave a couple years to go before
we can really start gettinglike grants, um, so we're always
taking donations are wonderful.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
It it seriously makes a huge difference.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
Yes, yeah, yeah, those donations are really like
the only way that we're able tostay up and running, and at no
cost.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
So would someone just reach out to you or could they
find you on the website if theywanted to make a donation, or
yes?
Speaker 2 (32:28):
Yes, there are.
Both options are wonderful.
They can definitely reach outto us directly, but there is a
donate option on the website.
Speaker 3 (32:35):
Love that yeah, it's a big, huge give button.
Speaker 1 (32:40):
I love it.
So if people are listening andthey're like, oh my gosh, I need
this in my life, what, whatshould they do?
Speaker 2 (32:48):
Yeah, um.
So once again, our website.
It has all of the programs onthere and it has um scheduling
options for you.
So if you wanted to scheduleone-on-one sessions, um, you can
do that online.
You can also always like reachout to us if you have more
questions, you know.
So, like, if you get to thescheduling part and you're like,
(33:08):
oh, I don't really know, or youwant to talk about some stuff,
you can reach out to us, umthere is like a, a reach out
part on our website as well.
Speaker 3 (33:20):
I would say definitely go to our facebook
page.
Yes, ladle of ferns communitygroup.
Yes, is the uh private page.
It's a group.
And then we have a ladle offerns group on facebook.
Um, and we're pretty good aboutlike keeping everyone up to
date and just interacting andstuff and everything that's on
the website is also shared there.
Yes, so if you're like I needsome more like human kind of
(33:41):
connection, um, definitely gothere as well, yeah, yeah, we're
on Facebook and Instagram.
Speaker 2 (33:47):
Love that Love that.
Maybe, maybe TikTok in thefuture.
One of our board members isreally pushing for that and we
are scared Um.
You know what?
Speaker 1 (33:56):
I'll be honest, I started TikTok just because it
is so easy to edit videos onthere.
You can make a 10 minute videoand edit them so much easier
than anywhere else, and youcould just keep your account
private and use those videosother places, which I did not.
But the video is just superbfor free.
Speaker 2 (34:14):
So that's good to know.
Maybe we'll mess around with iton private first.
Speaker 1 (34:18):
Yeah, that's what I did, and I don't post all my
videos.
I post some of them in my groupand I've even used some of them
for my educational platform.
Yeah, putting the captions onwithout having to pay for it is
huge, and TikTok does that.
Just a little FYI out there foryou business people who want a
free video on editing?
Speaker 2 (34:38):
It'll also add music too so it's like it's a superb
way to make videos for free okay, wow, okay, I'm feeling a
little better about it.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
Scary it's still scary to put ourselves on, you
can keep it private and justshare your video with that.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
Yeah, baby steps yeah , baby steps.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
Oh, my gosh, so I love that, okay, um, I ask
everyone this, so I want to hearfrom both of you what is your
go-to self-care when things arejust like overwhelming, like the
thing that you're like.
This is the go-to when I'm inover my head and I need to reset
myself you want to go first oryou don't want me to go first.
Speaker 2 (35:18):
I can go.
I could.
Unless you want to go first, Idon't care.
Welcome to how all of ourmeetings go.
Speaker 1 (35:24):
I love it.
You guys are like best friends,right?
Best friends, roommates,business owners together, which
is such a skill that you're ableto get along through all of
that.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
It's yeah, I know, I think you know it's funny.
This is off off topic from howwe where.
What are our go tos when we'relike overwhelmed and burnt out?
But that was one of the firstthings that we prioritized when
we decided to go into this asco-creators is we were like if
at any point this starts to getin the way of our friendship,
it's done Like.
(35:53):
If we can't figure out how tosolve it, yeah, it's done Like.
If we can't figure out how tosolve it, it's done.
Speaker 3 (35:56):
Yeah, that was very early conversation is.
I value your friendship morethan anything If things go south
.
We're not doing this anymore.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Yeah, if we can't figure out how to do it then
yeah.
Speaker 1 (36:09):
I love that, and your ability to be upfront and
honest with each other has gotto be like high level as well,
too, and also to get yourfeelings clear and roll with it
because you love each other,cause those are like hard things
that have to happen when youengage in all these ways.
Ladies, yeah.
Speaker 3 (36:22):
That's so true.
Exactly that's so true?
Oh yeah, we basically anyway.
Speaker 2 (36:25):
Yeah.
So back back to you know whatwe do when we're feeling burnt
out and overwhelmed?
Um, I kind of have.
I have two options, and itdepends on where I'm identifying
my overwhelm and burnout comingfrom.
So if I'm feeling overwhelmedand burnt out based on things
that are not necessarily in mycontrol, for example, like a lot
(36:47):
of things that are happeningwith the government right now, I
will read books or play a game.
I kind of escape into fantasyfor a little while to get my
mind off of it, until I'm readyto process you know, are you a
gamer or are you like a?
okay, well, both I do.
I do video games and like boardgames with friends and stuff,
(37:09):
um, but if it's things that areoverwhelming me and making me
feel burnt out that are in myrealm of control, I do the hard
things first.
That was something I learned inundergrad from a TA, um, when
we were talking about self-careand it's.
It's very easy to kind of dothe whole like cool, take a bath
(37:31):
, but your problems are stillthere, you know, um so, and that
you've given them more time tofester.
Yes, yeah.
So that that was something thatjust really kind of resonated
with me of like, doing the hardthing is also a form of
self-care, and that really justkind of was like oh, you know
what, you're so right, andoftentimes when I do the hard
thing, I've got momentum afterthat, cause I'm like, oh, I did
(38:01):
it, I can keep going that offyour plate, yeah, yeah.
So it really just depends on,like, where I'm identifying the
overwhelm coming from.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
I love that.
That's great advice and greatboundaries with yourself, which
is also hard and a lot, a lot ofwomen struggle with.
A lot of people struggle withholding boundaries with
themselves.
I really don't think to women.
I'm sorry if that offends you.
Yeah, no, you're not totallyfair.
Speaker 3 (38:23):
I would say that I, when I'm starting to feel
overwhelmed and needs someself-care, um, I ask for help.
It's taken me years to finallyask for help and I'm to the
point now where, um, I'mcomfortable in doing that and
I'll come home and talk to Andyand be like listen, everything
(38:47):
is just so much.
I, um, you've seen my room, youknow how terrible it is.
I need to do laundry, thebathroom's not clean, I need to
do all these things.
I have to do my taxes, like,I'll kind of externally process
that and decide okay, I'm goingto do X, y, z, even if no one's
(39:10):
helping me, just saying it outloud and honestly doing the hard
things, yeah, um, and I like tokind of cushion my hard thing
with a soft thing, yeah, alittle straight, yeah.
So I reward yourself.
Yeah, I will.
Speaker 1 (39:27):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (39:28):
I'm going to put a little laundry in, and while
that's in the washer, I'm goingto clean the bathroom and then
I'm going to switch to the dryerand then, when I do that, I'm
going to take a shower, which isalso very hard to do sometimes,
um, and after that, guess whatI get to do?
I get to eat my little icecream and my fresh jammies and
my bed and read my book and kindof feel accomplished and
(39:55):
relaxed, and that's how I kindof, yeah, tackle it beautiful,
beautiful.
Speaker 1 (40:02):
Well, I'm so happy you guys came on my show today.
I love that you guys arepresenting yet another way to
find community, because I thinkin our world today there's a lot
of like good right, but one ofthe things I think gets lost,
especially for people that don'tidentify as religious, is
(40:22):
community.
Community is hard to find ifyou're not a religious person
who is practicing that religionlike weekendly, which is like
how I remember community growingup.
As an adult who doesn'tpractice religion weekly or at
all, it's really hard for me tofind a community that stays
consistent.
So it's so powerful to havecommunities like this,
especially where people can comeand share such like intense,
(40:47):
real struggles.
So thank you, ladies, so muchfor providing this.
Thank you, and I hope we haveyou on again, maybe next year,
and update all your growth then.
And, yeah, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (41:00):
That'd be so fun.
Speaker 1 (41:01):
Anything else you guys want to add before we go?
Speaker 3 (41:04):
I don't think so.
I think I guess, if you'relistening, just take care of
yourself and that's what I wasgoing to say.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
We were both on the same wavelength.
Just some parting words of likeyou're doing okay, Like don't
beat yourself up.
Yeah, You're worthy of takingtime for yourself and rest is
productive.
Speaker 1 (41:27):
Yes, and if you're struggling, reach out to these
ladies.
They do a wonderful job,creating a safe space and
community to be able to share.
Speaker 2 (41:36):
So, thank you.
Yeah, we would love to have you.
Yeah, we've got your back.
Yeah, I love that.
Hello and welcome to Empowered Ease.
My guests plural today are AndyMalone and Katie Mink.
They are co-creators of thenon-for-profit Ladle of Ferns.
Welcome, I'm so happy to haveyou two on.
Hi, hello, we're so excited tobe here, yay, okay.
(00:23):
So, ladle of Ferns, tell us alittle bit about your
non-for-profit before we getstarted, just so that we have a
little understanding.
Speaker 2 (00:34):
Yeah, you want me to take that one.
Speaker 3 (00:35):
Yeah, start us off.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Okay, so Ladle of Ferns, we provide support to
adults that are living withchronic and physical and mental
illnesses.
We have a couple of differentprograms which I'm sure we'll
get into later, but our maingoal is to kind of build
community for people and kind ofcreate those connections.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
I love it, so needed these days.
I know you guys had mentionedbefore that you guys kind of
work with the people that likefall between the cracks of like
meeting, require, yeah, therequirements for certain support
and also still having issuesthat they need support with.
Yeah, I love that.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
Yeah, that was a big group that we kind of identified
, even just among, like, ourfriends, our colleagues, was
this kind of middle ground wherepeople were falling outside of
the parameters of support, yeah,and not having the resources to
like pay for things out ofpocket.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
Right, right, when you don't qualify for the grants
or the funding from likegovernment or other nonprofits,
Um, but you also can't afford topay someone outright to help
you with you know, chores oranything like that.
Speaker 2 (01:56):
Um, so and that's us Yep.
Speaker 1 (02:02):
I love it because I feel like that's a gap that's
getting wider and wider in a lotof areas of healthcare.
There's just so little effort,attention, resources put into
preventative medication ormedications, preventative
education, and then there thatgap of people just keeps getting
bigger and bigger.
That needs help, but there'sless and less support.
(02:24):
So you guys are, unless youhave a lot of money and you're
ready to pay for those people.
So yeah, Exactly.
Yeah, okay, so tell me a littlebit about the two of you.
What do you guys do Like?
Who are you?
How did this come about?
Speaker 3 (02:49):
like who are you?
How did this come about?
Well, um, andy and I met in theschool of social work at umzal,
working on our bachelor'sdegrees.
Um, and I don't know, do youhave a minor?
Speaker 2 (02:57):
I should probably know.
Speaker 3 (02:58):
No, I do not have a minor, okay, um I have my
master's degree or my bachelor'sdegree, uh in social work, with
a minor in psychology, and andyhas her bachelor's degree in um
social work, but she went on toyeah, I have my master's in
social work as well.
She does yep um and I think,did you get that certificate?
(03:18):
She's supposed to have acertificate in non-profit, but
that's a I took all of theclasses.
Speaker 2 (03:26):
So I have the knowledge.
There was just someadministrative issues on the
part of that, certaincertificate programs like
leadership.
So the actual physicalcertificate is not in my hands,
but I do have knowledge.
Speaker 1 (03:41):
Got it up here All in good time, right, exactly.
Speaker 3 (03:46):
Yeah, right, uh, we became friends, and I'll skip
over some years there, but, uh,eventually we started living
together and just there were somany things happening and the
lack of support that we feltamongst ourselves, amongst our
friends, amongst our colleagues.
It just became suffocating andwe were like who?
(04:11):
Who is here to help with this?
Are there any resources?
What do we do?
And eventually it dawned on usthat it didn't exist and if we
wanted it to happen, we, we werethe ones.
Yeah, we had to do it.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
Um, so that's kind of how we came about.
And, yeah, I think what kind ofthings were you noticing, um,
in your peers, specifically likethat, were the struggles, like
what kind of what kind of thingswere you seeing?
Speaker 2 (04:52):
I think I would liken it to just kind of this
drowning feeling, um, just beingsuper overwhelmed, not having
any type of support for likeday-to-day tasks.
Cause that's another thing thatwe kind of found.
Just, you know, both of usidentify as as spoonies, um, in
the chronic illness community,and your time is not the same as
everyone else's time.
Um, your energy is not the sameas everyone else's energy.
(05:15):
You can wake up one day andfeel totally different than you
did the day before, where youwere super productive.
You know you wake up the nextday and you have no energy for
anything.
Your pain is super high, Um, sowe we found that a lot of
people were just feeling reallyoverwhelmed by their day-to-day
tasks and typically this, thisnarrative in society is like
(05:37):
well, that's easy, Like why areyou struggling to do your
laundry, why are you strugglingto keep your house clean, why do
you need help with that?
And it's just that is thereality for a lot of our friends
and our colleagues and justpeople that we knew.
That's kind of.
Mostly what we're seeing wasjust this overwhelming, like I
have so many things to do and Idon't have any support.
Speaker 1 (05:59):
Like the invisible chronic illnesses community
where, like you don't look likeyou would struggle, but really
like it's almost like a, it'salmost like a detriment that you
look so normal because peopletake that for granted, the
energy levels and things likethat you have.
So you're finding a lot ofpeople which that's a growing,
growing population chronicillnesses.
(06:20):
Yeah, exactly so I was justtrying to like think how did you
guys identify this niche ofpeople?
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Yeah, because it's so great.
Yeah, it kind of started withus, I mean, like we are part of
that community, we're part ofthat group you advocate.
They were really like anexemplar in the field.
I would say, yeah, we looked upto them, yeah, yeah, we lost
(06:56):
them to suicide in the fall of2022.
And that was really kind of thekicker, you know, like we
looked at each other and we werelike who's next, Like who's?
Speaker 3 (07:07):
who's?
Speaker 2 (07:07):
next.
Speaker 3 (07:08):
Um, yeah, that was kind of a.
We were sitting on the couchupstairs and we tell the story
frequently, but it was a hugemoment for us to just sit there
and look at each other and sayit could be you, it could be me,
yeah, so, like thisorganization is for us, yeah,
yeah, it's for people like us,because we get it and a lot of
(07:30):
people don't, and so findingother people who get it is
life-changing.
It's life-changing for me.
Speaker 1 (07:37):
Yeah, to be in a community of people who
understand the struggle.
I've been to a few of yourtheir meetings, so not that I
have a lot of knowledge, butI've, I've seen, I've seen it.
It's awesome, and I have, uh,you know, worked with some of
the people in your groupone-on-one, and they all talk
about how magical it is to be tohave a community, because a lot
(07:58):
of people don't I I I liken itto nursing, like I don't have a
medical family members, so whenI have struggles at work,
there's not anyone in myimmediate circle that
understands in a way that feelsvalidating to me and I feel like
this is one of those issues.
It's like you can talk to peopleabout it but unless they're in
that situation, how can youreally understand?
(08:20):
And it doesn't feel as relieved, like as releasing, when you're
talking to someone who doesn'tactually get it.
Yeah, so powerful.
It's so powerful to have acommunity like that to be able
to go to.
So you guys are doing beautiful, beautiful things.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (08:42):
So tell me a little bit about how this experience
has been for you, because youguys are relatively new.
I think you started what a yearago, a little over a year ago.
Is that where we're at here?
Speaker 2 (08:51):
Yeah, yeah, we just celebrated our first birthday in
January.
Yeah, yeah, we're, yeah, we'relittle babies.
Speaker 1 (08:59):
I think our birthdays are probably really close to
each other, so yeah, oh yeah, ohmy gosh, I didn't Wow.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
We get to grow together.
I know, I know that's so fun.
Speaker 2 (09:08):
I'm like we need to figure out how to celebrate
together.
Speaker 1 (09:12):
I love it.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
I love it.
Speaker 1 (09:13):
Yeah, yep, the wheels are turning.
Speaker 3 (09:17):
I think it's been a lot of learning here.
We've had to be very flexible,which is not, I mean, we just
are very flexible people, yeah,just naturally.
I think, Kind of catching those.
Oh, I just noticed this couldbe really helpful, or if we
switch this kind of program,more people might be able to
(09:39):
attend or or relate, or it'sjust been a lot of growing.
It's been very, very cool tofind people and I think I was a
bit surprised by how many peopledo understand.
Yeah, I was expecting to haveto fight for it and to have to
(10:01):
say, no, this is so importantbecause X, y, z and there's just
been so many people whereyou'll give them like your
little elevator speech andthey're like, oh my gosh, that's
so awesome, I know so, and sowho could really use that?
And it's like oh my gosh, soit's just so great.
Speaker 2 (10:16):
Yeah.
Yeah, it's been a very longtime and a very short time, if
that makes sense Like it's goneby so fast, but it also feels
like it's been so slow just withlike learning new things and
you know, with everythingthere's there's challenges,
right, and I think it's like Ideal with a lot of the backside
(10:37):
stuff.
So, like our website, you knowthings that I have like never
done before in my life and it'sit's so rewarding to tackle that
and like figure it out and thenjust be like I can do anything.
Right, I taught myself all ofthis in a year?
Yeah, I mean it's definitelyfrustrating.
(10:59):
Like don't get me wrong.
Before you get to that momentyou're kind of like pulling your
hair out, um, but it's, it's soworth it and just seeing how
we're impacting people makeseverything worth it.
Like dealing with the IRS andlike you know fun stuff.
(11:20):
It makes it so worth it whenyou are ending a session with a
client and they're like thankyou so much.
I wouldn't have gotten nearlyhalf of this stuff done if we
hadn't had this time together.
Like it just it's so impactful.
Speaker 1 (11:35):
I love how you say that Cause, like you know,
connecting to somethingmeaningful, like purpose or you
know, like something you getexcited about that energizes you
, that like connects with yourvalues, is energizing.
You guys came from this likeoverwhelmed, burnt out position.
You connected to something sopowerful and you're doing so
much good and it does bring youenergy and light and all that,
yeah.
(11:55):
So I want to know how you guyswork with people.
I know I've been to your.
You guys have monthly meetupsand you were talking about
sessions and I know you guys dosome body doubling, which you've
got to tell us about.
So what are the ways in whichyou support people struggling
with chronic illnesses?
What are the ways?
Speaker 2 (12:11):
in which you support people struggling with chronic
illnesses.
Yeah, so we have like four mainprograms right now.
I would say the first one is anonline community support group.
So it's a private group onFacebook.
Right now we're exploring someother options for that, to take
it even a little bit moreprivate, like maybe a forum on
our website or something, butright now it's operating on
(12:36):
Facebook and that's a space forpeople to kind of ask for help,
share any advice they might have, you know, so, like, if they
found something helpful, theycan share it in there to be like
hey, don't know if anybody elseis struggling with X, y, z, but
this worked for me.
I want to put it out there.
So you have the resource.
We also do check-ins every weekfor people which we call peaks
(12:58):
and valleys, so people can kindof come in there and share like,
hey, what was awesome from thislast week and then what was
really challenging, and that canbe event space, or it can be
like does anybody have solutions, suggestions?
Like is anybody else feelinglike this out there?
Is it just me?
So that's, I feel like that'svery validating for people to
(13:20):
have that space which is justkind of up 24 seven, you know.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
Yeah, people have really shared that.
They appreciate that time.
And there's been a couple ofpeople who will come into our
meetings and will say like, oh,i's been a couple of people who
will come into our meetings andwe'll say like, oh, I've been
thinking about my peaks andvalleys all week, yeah, and I
want to share them now.
And they're just so excited totalk about it, which is not
something I anticipated, butit's so awesome, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
Like we have some people who really look forward
to that.
So our next program is our, ourcommunity meetups, um, which we
do in person once a month andwe're typically at like a local
library, because we lovelibraries, we think they're a
wonderful resource and we wantto expose more people to them.
So we usually host at locallibraries.
Yeah, and typically at meetupswe kind of they're chunked out
(14:07):
into two parts, so we have thepeaks and valleys part, you know
, where everybody is in a groupsetting and they can talk about
what's been going well, what'snot going well, and then we try
to have like an educationalcomponent or some type of
activity.
So in March, I think, we'redoing bingo cards like 2025
bingo cards for their goals, andthey're using what you
(14:28):
presented at our February meetupto kind of shape those goals
and figure out what they want toput on their cards.
Speaker 1 (14:35):
And I want to workshop for them about goal
setting.
Speaker 3 (14:39):
Yeah it was awesome.
Speaker 2 (14:40):
Yeah, it was so good because it's like you know we
were thinking about it and it'slike goal setting, I feel like,
is a is a contentious area forpeople, because goals are great
but you know how do you do itwithout it leading to this
overwhelm and burnout becauseyou're like having too many or
like overshooting it a littlebit, like putting too much
pressure on yourself.
So it's like how do you kind ofstep that back and really set
(15:01):
goals that you can accomplishand build that momentum with?
So that was wonderful.
Thank you for providing that.
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (15:08):
But it's great that you guys support each other in
that role too, because when youhave monthly place to go back
and check in on that that you'veall worked on together, you
know it's a place to shift to,to find support, to like problem
solve, like it's like.
It's just a great idea.
I love it.
Speaker 2 (15:27):
Thank you.
Our last two programs we offerresource navigation for people.
Those are pretty much donevirtually, so people can
schedule like a 50 minutesession with Katie or I and we
kind of talk about what they'reneeding the most support with,
what kind of resources would bebeneficial, and then we help
(15:49):
them come up with a plan.
So sometimes kind ofprioritizing what you need can
be very hard and it can be ablockage where you just kind of
shut down.
So we help people create thatplan.
And then I think the coolestthing about this program is our
flexibility, cause we reallyfocus on meeting people where
they're at.
So sometimes we'll get peoplewho are like, hey, if you just
(16:11):
send me the application, if youjust send me the link to the
information, I've got it fromthere.
Um, and we're like, okay, cool.
But then other times we havepeople who are like I really
need somebody to be present withme while I make this phone call
for an appointment.
I really need somebody to sitwith me and help me fill out
this application.
And we can do both me and helpme fill out this application,
(16:32):
and we can do both.
And we can also meet people inbetween.
So we really try to let ourclients drive what that program
looks like for them and we takeit on a very like individual
basis.
Speaker 1 (16:40):
Yeah, I would say that's so powerful, that's such
a like, a helpful thing.
And I also want to mention,before we get too further into
this, I I work with womenspecifically, but your group is
for men, women, anything likeyou guys I will say like from
being to their meetings.
You guys do an amazing job atcreating a very like safe and
open environment where peoplefeel free to like express
(17:01):
themselves openly.
Thank you.
Speaker 2 (17:02):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (17:03):
I mean it, though it's very like.
I love how different groups ofpeople are so comfortable when
they come.
Even I've brought people to thegroup who immediately opened up
when they were there.
So it's just a testament to thetwo of you and the people that
come to your meetings.
So thank you.
Speaker 2 (17:19):
I'm not going to cry about it, but I might, I might
cry about it.
Speaker 3 (17:23):
We experienced.
Well, I think you experiencedit too in Casework, specifically
when you're giving peopleresources, it's often like a
sheet of paper and like callthese places, and here's this,
and that's so overwhelming.
And you like go back the nextweek and you're like okay, like
who did you reach out to?
(17:44):
You know, did you, did you findthe resources that you needed,
that you needed?
And it's oftentimes they'll saylike no, I didn't have a chance
there, I don't know where tostart, I don't know, um, and it
doesn't really exist a spacewhere you're sitting with them
while they're exploring theseresources and getting the help
(18:05):
that they need.
Speaker 1 (18:07):
Um, so can you give some examples of some of the
resources that people may notknow is available, because I
feel like that's part of it toois like I know.
I worked with one of somebodywho's in your group recently who
didn't know about some I thinkit was um like government, um
resources that were available toher that she wasn't aware she
qualified for until she spokewith you too, and I imagine
(18:27):
there's non-government resourcesas well.
So can you give us just someexamples that people might not
be thinking of, that they mayqualify for?
Speaker 2 (18:35):
or that may be available to them.
Where to start.
There's so many.
That's the fun thing aboutbeing social workers is because
your brain kind of turns intothis Rolodex.
Yeah, I was like you guysprobably have organizations, but
people like me.
Speaker 1 (18:50):
I don't know what's out there, honestly, like I know
the things I've connected withpersonally, but you know a lot
of people are just unaware ofsupport that's even available.
Speaker 2 (18:58):
That's the big piece is connecting, yeah yeah, yeah,
um, I think one of the thingsthat recently kind of stood out
to me was learning about aprogram that arc has where they
do applications together like inperson for like disability
applications and stuff, cool, um, I think they call them like
(19:19):
walk people through filling itout.
Speaker 1 (19:21):
Yes, oh my god I had an ex that was um on met like
medicare, medicaid.
All paperwork, the governmentpaperwork is so overwhelming I
have no idea how people go tothat office that are elderly and
have health problems andcontinue to receive funding for
how complicated that process is.
Speaker 2 (19:41):
Yeah, yeah, so that was something cause we were at
another event and we hadconnected with someone from St
Louis arc and they had told usabout the paperwork parties.
I hope I'm.
I hope that is the correctprogram.
I'll have to follow up on that,but I'm pretty sure, that's
cool, though.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
There is a program out there that helps you fill
out your paperwork, which,honestly, is like a lot of
people.
That's one of those things youjust avoid.
Speaker 2 (20:05):
Yeah, yeah, I mean, how could you not like,
especially like you were saying,the government applications and
stuff are always so dense, likeit's just so, and sometimes the
language is not very accessible.
Speaker 3 (20:21):
So that's something that just comes to the top of my
head.
I think there's also likefinancial resources, like if
you're needing help with payingfor, like your electric bill, if
you're needing help paying foryour rent, if you're needing
help, um yeah, paying for a lotof different bills.
There are resources for thatthat are I think they're
(20:43):
government funded what comes?
to mind is like lie, heap, yeah,um, and that is also paperwork
written, as most resources areyep, where you're like, have to
get it in by a specific time andif you don't cross this t or
dot this I, it's rejected.
Speaker 1 (21:00):
Yeah um that's a huge service, huge and then okay, so
you guys have one more resourcethat's yours.
That I'm interrupting, so tellus about that one.
Speaker 2 (21:11):
So I saved this one for last.
Um, it's our body doublingprogram, so we have kind of
three different avenues for that.
Um, we meet in person once amonth for an in-person kind of
group session.
Uh, we usually go to like alocal cafe or somewhere, um, and
(21:32):
we usually go.
I think it's like noon to twois when we're usually there.
So if people want to come andlike grab a drink or grab some
lunch and you know, just kind ofwork on stuff together, um, but
that's also not an obligation,just if people are interested in
that, like you do not have tobuy food or drink while you're
there.
Like you can just come and work.
That's just something that'savailable to you if you want it.
(21:55):
Kind of a lunch date andgetting work done at the same
time.
And then we also have a virtualgroup session once a month
where we're just kind of onlineall working on our own stuff,
just cameras on doing what youneed to do.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Yeah, I've done laundry.
Speaker 2 (22:10):
Yeah, those sessions.
Yeah, I've done laundry.
Yeah, those sessions.
Yeah, there's like no, noboundaries for what you can work
on with body doubling.
Um, the other Avenue issomething that we just started
last month, I think, um, whichis allowing people to schedule
one-on-one sessions for virtualbody doubling, so it's a 50
minute session.
Um, believe it or not, the timegoes very fast when you're like
(22:35):
you're able to get so much doneand it feels like such a short
amount of time simply becausesomebody else is present with
you.
So, kind of like what Katie wassaying, you can schedule those
just because you need somebodyto be present while you're doing
your laundry or cleaning yourkitchen or working on homework
or paying bills, whatever thatthing is, that is such a
struggleevery week.
Yeah, whatever it is, you canwork on that.
(22:58):
And we're just kind of herewith you.
And usually for the one-on-onesessions we kind of start with
like a okay, what are we workingon?
And then maybe like halfwaypoint, we'll kind of check in
and be like how's it going?
Are you hitting any blocks?
Like what's going on, let'stalk about it.
Um, and even just to have likea five minute break, yeah, just
(23:19):
take, take a little minute awayfrom it.
Yeah, have a little chit chat.
Sometimes that can likere-energize you too to get your
stuff done.
So body doubling is is kind ofnew For me.
It was very surprising.
It was not something that wekind of originally planned on,
but it just evolved.
You know, like we we threw onein and people were like, oh my
(23:40):
God, this is great.
Where has this been all my life?
So then we were like, oh okay,and then we threw in another one
and then we started schedulingand it's just blown up and it's
wonderful.
Speaker 1 (23:50):
Yeah yeah, I can't tell you how many of my clients
I have told about you guys andalso like just how the idea of
that has sparked so much inpeople, even who don't want to
come.
They're like oh, my daughterand I can do this together.
One of my clients they schedulea date, they do their like one
does their laundry, the otherone, whatever she's avoiding.
(24:11):
It's like that is such a greatthing, Cause I know a few
unicorns that can self-motivate,like um but not very many of
them.
Honestly, I'm so jealous of thembecause I there's certain work
I avoid so much and if I canlike get on the phone and call
my mom and do my dishes and likecatch up and not think it's I
plow through them, and if that'sjust a tiny little example, but
(24:32):
there's so much like that andeverybody's got something like
that, so it's, I love it, I can,I can understand why it's
blowing up yeah.
Speaker 3 (24:39):
Yeah, yeah, it's been really cool to see yeah.
Speaker 2 (24:43):
That's awesome.
Speaker 1 (24:44):
I love that so much.
Okay, so earlier you made areference and I meant to ask you
about it and I forgot you guys.
You said that you guys are bothspoons, so I would love you to
explain that reference and thenalso explain your name.
Speaker 3 (24:54):
Oh yeah, wow, I get so excited about it.
Yeah, okay.
Well, spoonies comes from thespoon theory.
I don't recall off the top ofmy head who started it.
I feel like her name is likeJane or like Janice or like I
don't know.
Yeah, that's fine.
(25:14):
Anyway, there was someone whocame up with the idea of the
spoon theory, which correlatesto the energy that you have.
So when you are a quote,unquote normal person, I guess
we'll we'll use that referencefor now.
Um, you have infinite spoons,which are your energy.
(25:37):
So, uh, you're, you're alwaysable to find a spoon.
There's always excess, you know.
You can get your dishes done,you can take a shower and you
can, um, go to the grocery store.
You have all the spoons in theworld.
But when you're a chronicallyill person, you wake up with a
different number of spoons everyday.
(25:57):
So one day you could have like25 spoons.
Speaker 2 (26:01):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (26:02):
That's fantastic.
But another day you wake up andyou have five or none or none,
and a shower costs two spoonsspoons.
Feeding yourself breakfastcosts a spoon.
You brush your hair, that'sanother spoon, yeah.
And then you're out and you'relike, oh my gosh, but I have to,
I have to get my work done, Ihave to pay this bill, I have to
(26:25):
do my taxes, which costs atleast 15 spoons at minimum.
Yeah, yeah, exactly, um, sothat's kind of the idea of the
spoon theory.
Yeah, did I miss anything yourname?
Speaker 2 (26:44):
explain your name.
We didn't get there yet, okay.
So we tried for a long time tolike figure out a name right,
and we wanted it to be kind ofspoon centered, because the
spoon theory was really likeanchoring us at that time, um,
and since we were doingcommunity work, we were like,
well, what's bigger than a spoon?
A ladle, right?
(27:05):
Um, so imagine, a ladle is acommunity version of a spoon.
And then ferns actually camefrom honoring our undergrad
classmate who had passed away.
So beautiful, yeah, yep yeah,that's beautiful.
Speaker 1 (27:25):
I love that.
Got a big ladle of ferns.
Yep, oh, that's a powerful name.
I love it.
Speaker 2 (27:30):
I love it so funny because a lot of times when like
, especially when we're atevents that are like really loud
, you know, and we're talking topeople, they'll be like what,
what is your name?
Because it's so like I don'tknow.
Yeah, it's just different thanlike anything you hear in the
non-profit sector.
I feel like, yeah, um but ifyou're a visual person at all,
(27:52):
you're like ladle of fur yeah,yeah, and we're like, yeah, we
know, we know, but yeah, it's we, we love it and we feel like it
is very powerful because of themeaning behind it, you know,
yeah.
Speaker 1 (28:06):
I love it.
I think it's amazing.
Um, okay, so do you guys haveany plans coming up, any future
plans or anything um eventscoming up that we should look
for?
Speaker 2 (28:17):
oh, yes, oh, I should have looked at the kind of I
was like I'm gonna have to pullup my calendar one moment for
our march events we have a uhcommunity meetup every month.
Speaker 3 (28:30):
Um, we'll grab that date for you in a second.
The body doubling sessions, um,I don't know if there's
anything new.
We've got some things brewingin the background.
We do.
Speaker 2 (28:47):
Yeah, um, I will say one thing that we're at least
for me, um I'm excited forpossible partnerships, um, in
the future, and we were justtalking last night and Katie
mentioned how, like, bodydoubling, even for caseworkers
not necessarily just theirclients, but even for
(29:09):
caseworkers could be reallyhelpful.
Um, and if people did not know,all of our services are free,
so the ones that we've talkedabout, they're completely free.
So we're excited to maybe havesome more partnerships with
other organizations or even justpeople who work at other
agencies and stuff and try toprovide a resource on that level
(29:31):
as well.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
Do you guys do all of the sessions yourselves, or do
your members also volunteertheir time to do body doubling
as well?
How does that work?
Speaker 3 (29:57):
Um, but we're always open if there are board members
who want to do that as well.
And we also encourage ifthere's members of the community
that like kind of pair off and,um, like I know there's a
couple of people that come toour meetups that do that
together.
Yes, it's kind of separately.
Um, that's encouraged, butmainly it's me and Andy Yep it's
(30:21):
encouraged, but mainly it's meand Andy.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Yep.
So what are some upcomingevents that we can look forward
to?
Yeah, so in April, um, onSaturday April 12th, we are
having our in-person communitymeetup from three to five.
On Sunday April 13th, we arehaving our in-person body
doubling from noon to two, andthen Tuesday April 22nd, we are
having our virtual body doublingfrom seven to 9.
(30:46):
Ooh, yes.
Speaker 3 (30:49):
For more details, definitely go to the events tab
on our website.
Speaker 1 (30:53):
Yeah, Tell us your website?
Speaker 2 (30:54):
I don't think you've told us yet.
Yeah, so our website is justladleaffernsorg Beautiful, yep,
yeah, tell us your website?
Speaker 1 (31:00):
I don't think you've told us yet, yeah, so our
website is just ladleaffernsorgBeautiful, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 2 (31:02):
And if you RSVP to the events, that's the best way
to stay up to date.
So like, if, for some reason, adate needs to change or a
location needs to change whichhasn't happened yet but could if
you're RSVP'd, you'll getautomatic notifications of any
changes that happen.
So that's the best way to kindof stay up to date and informed.
Speaker 1 (31:20):
So I hear you guys are looking for partnerships.
Are you looking for donationsas well?
Are you looking for people todonate time?
What kind of partnerships areyou looking for?
Just in case anyone's listening, and what if people, let's say,
want to get involved but maybedon't want your services but are
like this is great, how canthey get involved to support you
guys?
Speaker 2 (31:40):
Yeah.
So I would say number onesharing our information is
always appreciated, especiallysince we are so new, like we are
still definitely getting theword out about the services.
So definitely sharing ourinformation.
And then we are 100 donationbased um and funded right now.
(32:02):
Yeah, so we I think we stillhave a couple years to go before
we can really start gettinglike grants, um, so we're always
taking donations are wonderful.
Speaker 3 (32:12):
It it seriously makes a huge difference.
Speaker 2 (32:14):
Yes, yeah, yeah, those donations are really like
the only way that we're able tostay up and running, and at no
cost.
Speaker 1 (32:22):
So would someone just reach out to you or could they
find you on the website if theywanted to make a donation, or
yes?
Speaker 2 (32:28):
Yes, there are.
Both options are wonderful.
They can definitely reach outto us directly, but there is a
donate option on the website.
Speaker 3 (32:35):
Love that yeah, it's a big, huge give button.
Speaker 1 (32:40):
I love it.
So if people are listening andthey're like, oh my gosh, I need
this in my life, what, whatshould they do?
Speaker 2 (32:48):
Yeah, um.
So once again, our website.
It has all of the programs onthere and it has um scheduling
options for you.
So if you wanted to scheduleone-on-one sessions, um, you can
do that online.
You can also always like reachout to us if you have more
questions, you know.
So, like, if you get to thescheduling part and you're like,
(33:08):
oh, I don't really know, or youwant to talk about some stuff,
you can reach out to us, umthere is like a, a reach out
part on our website as well.
Speaker 3 (33:20):
I would say definitely go to our facebook
page.
Yes, ladle of ferns communitygroup.
Yes, is the uh private page.
It's a group.
And then we have a ladle offerns group on facebook.
Um, and we're pretty good aboutlike keeping everyone up to
date and just interacting andstuff and everything that's on
the website is also shared there.
Yes, so if you're like I needsome more like human kind of
(33:41):
connection, um, definitely gothere as well, yeah, yeah, we're
on Facebook and Instagram.
Speaker 2 (33:47):
Love that Love that.
Maybe, maybe TikTok in thefuture.
One of our board members isreally pushing for that and we
are scared Um.
You know what?
Speaker 1 (33:56):
I'll be honest, I started TikTok just because it
is so easy to edit videos onthere.
You can make a 10 minute videoand edit them so much easier
than anywhere else, and youcould just keep your account
private and use those videosother places, which I did not.
But the video is just superbfor free.
Speaker 2 (34:14):
So that's good to know.
Maybe we'll mess around with iton private first.
Speaker 1 (34:18):
Yeah, that's what I did, and I don't post all my
videos.
I post some of them in my groupand I've even used some of them
for my educational platform.
Yeah, putting the captions onwithout having to pay for it is
huge, and TikTok does that.
Just a little FYI out there foryou business people who want a
free video on editing?
Speaker 2 (34:38):
It'll also add music too so it's like it's a superb
way to make videos for free okay, wow, okay, I'm feeling a
little better about it.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
Scary it's still scary to put ourselves on, you
can keep it private and justshare your video with that.
Speaker 2 (34:51):
Yeah, baby steps yeah , baby steps.
Speaker 1 (34:54):
Oh, my gosh, so I love that, okay, um, I ask
everyone this, so I want to hearfrom both of you what is your
go-to self-care when things arejust like overwhelming, like the
thing that you're like.
This is the go-to when I'm inover my head and I need to reset
myself you want to go first oryou don't want me to go first.
Speaker 2 (35:18):
I can go.
I could.
Unless you want to go first, Idon't care.
Welcome to how all of ourmeetings go.
Speaker 1 (35:24):
I love it.
You guys are like best friends,right?
Best friends, roommates,business owners together, which
is such a skill that you're ableto get along through all of
that.
Speaker 2 (35:32):
It's yeah, I know, I think you know it's funny.
This is off off topic from howwe where.
What are our go tos when we'relike overwhelmed and burnt out?
But that was one of the firstthings that we prioritized when
we decided to go into this asco-creators is we were like if
at any point this starts to getin the way of our friendship,
it's done Like.
(35:53):
If we can't figure out how tosolve it, yeah, it's done Like.
If we can't figure out how tosolve it, it's done.
Speaker 3 (35:56):
Yeah, that was very early conversation is.
I value your friendship morethan anything If things go south
.
We're not doing this anymore.
Speaker 2 (36:05):
Yeah, if we can't figure out how to do it then
yeah.
Speaker 1 (36:09):
I love that, and your ability to be upfront and
honest with each other has gotto be like high level as well,
too, and also to get yourfeelings clear and roll with it
because you love each other,cause those are like hard things
that have to happen when youengage in all these ways.
Ladies, yeah.
Speaker 3 (36:22):
That's so true.
Exactly that's so true?
Oh yeah, we basically anyway.
Speaker 2 (36:25):
Yeah.
So back back to you know whatwe do when we're feeling burnt
out and overwhelmed?
Um, I kind of have.
I have two options, and itdepends on where I'm identifying
my overwhelm and burnout comingfrom.
So if I'm feeling overwhelmedand burnt out based on things
that are not necessarily in mycontrol, for example, like a lot
(36:47):
of things that are happeningwith the government right now, I
will read books or play a game.
I kind of escape into fantasyfor a little while to get my
mind off of it, until I'm readyto process you know, are you a
gamer or are you like a?
okay, well, both I do.
I do video games and like boardgames with friends and stuff,
(37:09):
um, but if it's things that areoverwhelming me and making me
feel burnt out that are in myrealm of control, I do the hard
things first.
That was something I learned inundergrad from a TA, um, when
we were talking about self-careand it's.
It's very easy to kind of dothe whole like cool, take a bath
(37:31):
, but your problems are stillthere, you know, um so, and that
you've given them more time tofester.
Yes, yeah.
So that that was something thatjust really kind of resonated
with me of like, doing the hardthing is also a form of
self-care, and that really justkind of was like oh, you know
what, you're so right, andoftentimes when I do the hard
thing, I've got momentum afterthat, cause I'm like, oh, I did
(38:01):
it, I can keep going that offyour plate, yeah, yeah.
So it really just depends on,like, where I'm identifying the
overwhelm coming from.
Speaker 1 (38:05):
I love that.
That's great advice and greatboundaries with yourself, which
is also hard and a lot, a lot ofwomen struggle with.
A lot of people struggle withholding boundaries with
themselves.
I really don't think to women.
I'm sorry if that offends you.
Yeah, no, you're not totallyfair.
Speaker 3 (38:23):
I would say that I, when I'm starting to feel
overwhelmed and needs someself-care, um, I ask for help.
It's taken me years to finallyask for help and I'm to the
point now where, um, I'mcomfortable in doing that and
I'll come home and talk to Andyand be like listen, everything
(38:47):
is just so much.
I, um, you've seen my room, youknow how terrible it is.
I need to do laundry, thebathroom's not clean, I need to
do all these things.
I have to do my taxes, like,I'll kind of externally process
that and decide okay, I'm goingto do X, y, z, even if no one's
(39:10):
helping me, just saying it outloud and honestly doing the hard
things, yeah, um, and I like tokind of cushion my hard thing
with a soft thing, yeah, alittle straight, yeah.
So I reward yourself.
Yeah, I will.
Speaker 1 (39:27):
Okay.
Speaker 3 (39:28):
I'm going to put a little laundry in, and while
that's in the washer, I'm goingto clean the bathroom and then
I'm going to switch to the dryerand then, when I do that, I'm
going to take a shower, which isalso very hard to do sometimes,
um, and after that, guess whatI get to do?
I get to eat my little icecream and my fresh jammies and
my bed and read my book and kindof feel accomplished and
(39:55):
relaxed, and that's how I kindof, yeah, tackle it beautiful,
beautiful.
Speaker 1 (40:02):
Well, I'm so happy you guys came on my show today.
I love that you guys arepresenting yet another way to
find community, because I thinkin our world today there's a lot
of like good right, but one ofthe things I think gets lost,
especially for people that don'tidentify as religious, is
(40:22):
community.
Community is hard to find ifyou're not a religious person
who is practicing that religionlike weekendly, which is like
how I remember community growingup.
As an adult who doesn'tpractice religion weekly or at
all, it's really hard for me tofind a community that stays
consistent.
So it's so powerful to havecommunities like this,
especially where people can comeand share such like intense,
(40:47):
real struggles.
So thank you, ladies, so muchfor providing this.
Thank you, and I hope we haveyou on again, maybe next year,
and update all your growth then.
And, yeah, thank you so much.
Speaker 2 (41:00):
That'd be so fun.
Speaker 1 (41:01):
Anything else you guys want to add before we go?
Speaker 3 (41:04):
I don't think so.
I think I guess, if you'relistening, just take care of
yourself and that's what I wasgoing to say.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (41:12):
We were both on the same wavelength.
Just some parting words of likeyou're doing okay, Like don't
beat yourself up.
Yeah, You're worthy of takingtime for yourself and rest is
productive.
Speaker 1 (41:27):
Yes, and if you're struggling, reach out to these
ladies.
They do a wonderful job,creating a safe space and
community to be able to share.
Speaker 2 (41:36):
So, thank you.
Yeah, we would love to have you.
Yeah, we've got your back.
Yeah, I love that.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Breakfast Club
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.